So, I’m a SUV RVing person now- Time to hit the road!
The big day had arrived!! I really had a hard time sleeping the night before, knowing I was leaving at 5AM to make it to the first of my planned stops, prior to reaching my first camp site at Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 449 miles away. The truck was ready the night before, and just the cooler had to be loaded- Hit the road at 5:05AM and watched the sun rise near the Michigan/ Indiana border. Since I am not a morning person, it was nice, once out of the morning work traffic, to watch the sky light up and a new day begin. This is the time of day I only use to witness as I was driving home from a 12 hour night shift at the hospital; the eastern skies glowing pinks and orange, turning to pale yellow and the blue sky exposing itself for a new day.
Traffic going south was light, not like it is during spring break, so it was enjoyable, and using Google maps made it so I could look across the farm lands and enjoy the view, not wrestling a road map or sitting in a rest top or side of the road. This kind of driving is easy on the mind and allows for random thoughts and ideas to free flow in and out- it’s a peaceful feeling, driving and carefree- I like it a lot.
My first destination is one I had passed road signs on the highway heading back north to Michigan from the Florida panhandle, earlier in the year. It sounded interesting and being a nurse, I found it hilarious- so, my path is taking me to Uranus Fudge, Anderson, Indiana!…and it was everything I had hoped for! Not only tons of delicious fudge, but other candies, treats and funny T-shirts. All the staff were “in character”, and made the visit that much more funny! Grabbed some of my favorite flavors of fudge and back on the road, still chuckling over the experience!
The closer I got to the Kentucky border, the more signs I started seeing for the Mammoth Cave and other tourist stops in the area- and I have to admit, I was getting excited! The temps were nice for the middle of March- a balmy 71 degrees with windows partially down. I was thinking how wonderful it was going to be for hiking, bike riding, exploring and camping in general. After another 50 miles, I was off on the exit heading into the area for the National Park, which was still a distance away.
And, just like that, the winding road drops you into the Mammoth Cave Campgrounds! Not many people were utilizing sites, and most were 5th wheel and RV campers, with a few tents scattered here and there. From the previous rains and spring thaw, there was a lot of standing water and mud…
Link to the NPS Mammoth Cave Camping site: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
As the sun set, temps were at 68 degrees- just wearing jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Compared to the wintery temps this spring thus far in Michigan, this was a heat wave! I had my site set up best I could with water off to the side, sat in my camp chair at the fire pit and was so happy to be on this journey, and glad for the info I obtained watching the website videos… because what I didn’t know, I was about to need it!
First morning in camp was a chilly one. Light frost on the windshield and a crisp 48 degrees at 8AM- I ventured out of the Tahoe and made breakfast. I used a UCO 3 candle lantern as a burner and my Stanley 2 cup cook set to make hot tea, and enjoyed some yogurt with nuts and fruit in it. Eager to explore, I jumped on my bike and went to the camp grounds office to check in, since I arrived after 5PM the night before. The park ranger was concerned for me, due to my extra wet camp site, and she had me move to a drier site a short distance away.
Once that move was completed, I headed on bike to the Mammoth Cave National Park Rangers Station for the days tour information. I did not realize how booked up the different tours would become, and felt fortunate to get one of the last tickets available for that day. This is my first lesson on obtaining tour tickets- book on line, in advance to avoid disappointment! For good measure, I secured a second tour ticket for the next day.
The classic Mammoth Cave Tour passes by many historic areas that made Mammoth Cave famous, it not only explores the huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but it descends to tighter places, deep inside the cave. This tour lasted about 2 hours and goes for 2 miles- down stairs, trails and crossings.
the cave system itself
The cave experience was so much fun- I could have just pinched myself! I was taking in information on formation (underground water movement of the Green River for centuries) and was trying to imagine how the layers of rock gave way to spaces above the water. Learning about early explorers and uses for the cave were interesting, but learning about the area becoming a National Park is what amazed me! Having the foresight to set these lands aside and protect them, is just so fortunate for all of us so we can continue the “Awe” and enjoyment for generations to come.
“It doesn’t matter if a cave has been in darkness for 10,000 years or half an hour, once you light a match it is illuminated.” ~
Paramahansa Yogananda
When I planned the trip, I didn’t realize towns were so far away (9 to 15 miles), and on winding, hilly, somewhat narrow roads. I had been thinking I could ride my bike to get dinner each night, but I ‘canned’ that idea. I grabbed some hot food from the small dinner on site and enjoyed not having to heat up some canned soup on my UCO lantern/ cook top/ mini stove.
As night fell, another camp fire and music, talking to my “neighbors” near my site and watching people walking and kids play- overall, it was a nice evening. But the reports of falling temps started coming in, and it wasn’t going to be as nice as it had been the night before. Discussions revolved around the below freezing temps, and I decided to grab another layer to put on and headed to the restrooms to get dressed. Others were there doing the same thing, and the talk was the same- We’re going to freeze tonight! I felt bad for the several groups of young people that were there camping in tents.
It became an uncomfortable night at about four in the morning- I had no idea it had dropped to 28 degrees!! There was heavy frost formed inside the truck from breathing and not having air flow to allow it out- it was unreal! My sleeping bag is not designed for temps this low, despite having an additional fleece inside. I did not think to plug in the heated blanket to the battery bank as I thought I needed an electrical supply to plug into, till too late.
Because it was so cold, my little UCO burner was of no help in warming the truck that long, so I started the engine and warmed myself up! My burner was struggling to heat the water for morning tea, and reports were now coming in from the rangers office; The temps for tonight were going to drop to 16 degrees- I needed a new plan, as I was not prepared for such drastic weather. So, the itinerary for the day was to eat something and to be on time for my scheduled tour, then get back that afternoon and finish breaking camp a day early and head south.
The GOTH TOUR today did not disappoint, and I would encourage people to review the different options and tours ahead of going and plan for an enjoyable time- IN WARMER WEATHER!!! It may have been cold outside, but the internal temp of the cave stays consistent year around 54°F (12.2°C), so more comfortable than being outside.
Here is a very informative vid about the cave formations! Very educational!
Here is a link to the various tours offered at Mammoth Cave: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm
After the marvelous tour, I biked back to camp, finished packing up and checking out- started headed south to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I made some quick hotel reservations in an app, as my planned campsite would not be available till the following afternoon at three PM..
I think I could use a hot shower soak and good meal at this point…
I’m back on the road! Happy Travels!
NEXT: Heading to Gupta Gulch campgrounds, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Part #3 SUV-RVing!
*All photos are mine, unless indicated otherwise. kmphillips/ Imagine Imagery
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